Roll Call Tribute

Michael D. "Mike" McClelland, CAPT USN (Ret) 

November 18, 1938 - August 12, 2024 

Beloved husband and father, Michael (Mike) Dwight McClelland, 85, of Richmond, TX, passed away on August 12th, 2024 after a long and fulfilling life.

Mike was born on November 18, 1938, in Scottsbluff, NE, to Dwight and Elinore McClelland. After raising hell through his childhood with his beloved older brother, David, Mike attended Texas A&M University, graduating in 1960. (Gig ‘em Aggies!)

Mike joined the U.S. Navy after graduation and proudly served his country in both peacetime and war as a Naval aviator, flying helicopters, and eventually becoming the Commanding Officer of an anti-submarine warfare squadron, HSL-36, in Jacksonville, Florida. He loved flying and loved the Navy, and he retired with the rank of Captain in 1988.

Upon retirement from the Navy, for the next 12 years Mike taught hundreds of Junior ROTC cadets at South Houston High School, retiring for the last time in 2000.

Through Aggie friends, Mike met the love of his life, Ruth Elaine Brewer, from Schulenberg, TX, where they were married on December 30, 1961. Mike and Ruth raised two wonderful children, Michael Brian McClelland and Elinore Elizabeth Mercer (née McClelland), and were blessed with four grandchildren whom they doted on — Christopher, Andrew, Ruby, and Patrick.

The Navy took Mike and Ruth all over the world, living in multiple states and also in Japan during the 1960s. Mike and Ruth were committed members of the Episcopal church, and were extremely active in their church family, going on mission trips, being involved in Steven’s Ministry, and as a member of his church’s Vestry. Most recently, Mike loved attending Calvary Episcopal Church in Richmond, TX, usually followed by watching the Texans play after Sunday morning services in the fall.

Retirement found Mike continuing his travels around the world with Ruth, volunteering at Astros games and at the Houston Symphony, baking cakes, reading spy novels, playing bridge and poker, visiting their kids and grandkids, and teaching his grandchildren Navy stories and how to deal Texas Hold ‘Em at young ages.

Mike was predeceased by his parents Dwight and Elinore and his brother David.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth; his son Michael, daughter-in-law Debbie and grandsons Christopher and Andrew; and his daughter Elinore, son-in-law Andrew, and granddaughter Ruby and grandson Patrick. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Helen Machac, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Funeral services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the USO, a cause Mike felt strongly about that helps the men and women serving in the U.S. military, and their families.

IN THE CARE OF
The Settegast-Kopf Company @ Sugar Creek